Travel Myanmar: Myanmar Climate, Forests and Wildlife

Flooded rice fields on the Shan Plateau.

Climate

Myanmar has monsoon seasons. The wet period stretches from May to late October. During this time, strong winds blow into Myanmar from the southwest, bringing thunderstorms with heavy rain almost every day. Western Rahkine, southern Bago, Ayeyarwady, and the Taninthayi coast receive about 120-2—inches (3,048-5,080 millimeters) of rainfall a year. The central plain, however, surrounded by mountains, receives only about 20-40 inches (508-1,016 mm) annually. During the cool, dry season, which lasts from November to February, temperatures average about 70-80* Fahrenheit (21-27* Celsius). The hottest and driest months are March and April, when humidity is high and temperatures may exceed 110* F (43* C). Myanmar’s climate also varies with altitude. Highland areas experience cooler temperatures – the northern mountain peaks even see snow between November and January.

Bago Roma, Teak Forest

Mangroves Forest

Tropical and Temperate Forests

Because Myanmar spans about seventeen degrees of latitude, its natural vegetation varies from tropical rain forest in the wet, southern parts to temperate forest in the northern and highland areas. Valuable hardwood trees, such as teak, grow on the Bago Yoma range. Mangrove swamps line the coast. Oaks and conifers grow on mountain slopes at altitudes above 3,000 feet (914m). Rhododendrons, magnolias, and maples thrive in the northern highlands.

Abundant Wildlife

Myanmar’s many animals include tigers, bears, wild boars, deer, tapir and mongooses. Elephants – widely used for transportation in the past – are sometimes used to carry logs today. Myanmar is home to many poisonous snakes, such as the king cobra and several kinds of vipers.

Mynahs, sparrows, crows, and red-whiskered bulbuls are among the many bird species that nest in Myanmar. Flocks of white egrets are commonly seen standing in the paddy (wet rice) fields. Woodpeckers help preserve the teak forests by eating the bee-hole borer insects that attack trees. Weaverbirds got their name because they weave strips of grass into elongated nests that hang from palm trees or roof beams. Myanmar’s bird population also includes fish owls and hornbills.